Nationally the risk of dying in a fire for those aged over 65 is more than double the average risk for all ages.

Firefighters will be raising awareness of the service’s life-saving Home Safety Visits at events in Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Hayawrds Heath, Burgess Hill, and Littlehampton in the next week.

Nicki Peddle, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s intervention and prevention manager, said:“A great deal of our campaigning and prevention activity involves working with our partners and the public to reach those older people most at risk of a fire so we can help them to stay safe and independent in their homes.

“In particular, the Home Safety Visits we carry out are a key factor in reducing the number of people losing their lives in house fires.

“Over the last 12 months, because of the referrals we’ve received, we’ve carried out almost 6,500 Home Safety Visits. Last year although sadly there were four fire fatalities in West Sussex, none of these were as a result of an accidental house fire. This is encouraging but we know there is much more work to be done. We still need the public and our partner’s help in reaching the people who most need our help.

“We’re asking people to support Home Fire Safety Week by recommending a Home Safety Visit to an older relative or friend. It’s a free service arranged at a convenient time to the occupier. We tailor the visits to address the specific needs of the individual and, where needed, fit smoke detectors or other specialist fire detection equipment. Priority is given to those over 65 or with a disability.”

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service particularly wants to reach those who:

• Are over 65 and live alone

• Have a physical disability or frailty affecting their ability to either summon help or escape in an emergency

• Use a Community Alarm or Emergency Monitoring service like Careline or Lifeline

• Have an acquired sensory impairment or difficulty hearing a standard smoke alarm